The Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park encompasses the Ashley/Rakahuri River and berm area from the Okuku River confluence downstream east to the Ashley Estuary. It is a two way shared track with areas of single track riding. Stop bank riding at the Waikuku end of the track.

RAKAHURI TRAIL

Time/Distance: 13km. Access: Park Terrace, Stop Bank at Waikuku Beach, East Belt,Rangiora, Rangiora/Ashley traffic bridge and State Highway 1 Bridge. Viewing: Pine forest blocks, mixed stands of exotic trees including willows and poplar, and pockets of native vegetation that are gradually being restored and enhanced. Ashley River and Ashley Estuary.

TARANAKI WALKWAY

Time/Distance: One Hour Return. Access: Take the stop bank at the end of Park Terrace atWaikuku Beach. Park in the beach estuary car park. Follow the stop bank around the lagoon. Signs for the walkway appear after the floodgate bridge on the right down the slope. Follow track until it crosses another at a small bridge. Keep on left track to get to stop bank. Turn left and take stop bank back to start or retrace the track back. Viewing: Ashley River and mouth, Ashley Estuary. This area is a significant breeding area of migratory birds and is the spawning ground of whitebait (inanga).

MIKE KEAN WALKWAY

Time/Distance: 0.9km one way. Access: Ashley Picnic Ground, east of the State Highway 1 road bridge. The car park at the rail bridge. Viewing: Ashley River 10

TARAPIROE TRAIL

Time/Distance: 1.4km one way. Link up to the Ashley Village. Access: Cones Road, North Side of the Ashley Bridge.

ADJOINING TRACKS

The Rakahuri Trail links up with Pegasus Bay Walkway or Tutaepatu Trail at Waikuku Beach. From Rangiora, it links with either the Passchendaele Memorial Path to Kaiapoi or the Rangiora Woodend Path to Woodend (both require using on- road facilities to access them). Stop for refreshments and a look around Rangiora before you head off. You can also cycle or walk further up the Rakahuri Trial to cross the Ashley bridge for the Tarapiroe Trail linking to the Ashley Village for a meal at the pub. For walkers, you can detour to the Taranaki and Mike Kean Walkways along the Rakahuri Trail.